Fortaleza F.C. and Deportes Tolima played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in Categoría Primera A on September 28, 2026, with Tolima fighting back from two goals down to salvage a point.

Match Overview

Fortaleza F.C. made a fast start and took the lead in the 12th minute when Jhon Velásquez finished a flowing move with a low shot into the corner. The home side doubled their advantage in the 41st minute, Nicolás Rodríguez rising highest to head home a well-delivered free kick. At that point, Fortaleza looked in control and Tolima struggled to find any rhythm in the final third.

The game changed after half-time. Deportes Tolima increased their pressing intensity and pulled a goal back in the 58th minute through Yeison Guzmán, who converted a penalty after a handball in the box. Tolima pushed for an equaliser and got their reward in the 85th minute when Brayan Gil turned sharply inside the area and drilled a shot past the goalkeeper. Fortaleza had late chances to win it, but Tolima held on for a share of the spoils.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Jhon Velásquez opens the scoring for Fortaleza F.C. with a composed finish.
• 41st minute: Nicolás Rodríguez heads in a free kick to make it 2-0.
• 58th minute: Yeison Guzmán converts a penalty for Deportes Tolima.
• 85th minute: Brayan Gil equalises with a sharp turn and finish inside the box.
• 90+2nd minute: Fortaleza's late header is cleared off the line as Tolima survive.

Tactical Story

Fortaleza's early success came from quick transitions and set-piece quality. Their midfield won the second balls and allowed the full-backs to push high, creating overloads in wide areas. Tolima's response was to compress the space between the lines and press higher after the break. The introduction of fresh legs in attack gave Tolima more penetration, and their persistence eventually cracked Fortaleza's defensive resolve.

Standout Players

Jhon Velásquez and Nicolás Rodríguez were Fortaleza's standout performers, combining for the two goals and causing problems throughout the first half. Yeison Guzmán drove Tolima forward after the restart, while Brayan Gil's equaliser capped a strong second-half cameo. Both goalkeepers were busy, but it was Tolima's goalkeeper who made the more crucial late save to preserve the draw.

Table Impact

The draw leaves Fortaleza F.C. frustrated after squandering a two-goal lead, but it also extends their unbeaten run on home soil. Deportes Tolima will take confidence from the comeback, which keeps them in touch with the upper reaches of the Categoría Primera A table. In a league where away points are precious, Tolima's second-half rally could be a momentum-building result.